Ever stare at a pack of leftover chicken and wonder what to do with it? That’s how this casserole first happened. I had cooked spaghetti, half a rotisserie chicken, and a fridge full of random odds and ends.
Instead of making five separate meals, I threw everything into one dish—and it worked. It turned out creamy, cheesy, and filling without being heavy, and I didn’t need a dozen pans or a long list of steps.
Now it’s something I make even when I’m not trying to clean out the fridge. It feeds a group, reheats well, and can be tweaked with whatever vegetables or pasta you have on hand.
It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and the kind of recipe that feels like more than the sum of its parts.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This
This casserole takes everything good about comfort food and puts it in one pan.
- Creamy, cheesy, and filling without being over-the-top
- Uses cooked chicken and pantry ingredients
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Customizable with whatever veggies or pasta you’ve got
Simple Ingredients That Pull It All Together
You don’t need anything fancy for this. A few everyday ingredients turn into a warm, cozy dinner.
- Cooked Chicken – Shredded or chopped; rotisserie chicken works perfectly
- Spaghetti – Cooked until just tender
- Cream of Chicken Soup – Forms the creamy base
- Sour Cream or Cream Cheese – Adds smoothness and depth
- Cheddar Cheese – Shredded and melted throughout
- Onion & Garlic Powder – For a boost of flavor
- Salt & Black Pepper – Basic but necessary
- Optional: Diced Bell Peppers or Mushrooms – For extra texture and color
- Optional: Chopped Parsley – For a quick garnish at the end
It’s flexible, forgiving, and easy to make with what you have.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
This recipe is as much about layering flavors as it is about keeping things simple. You’ll prep, mix, bake—and be done.
- Cook the Pasta – Boil the spaghetti until just tender, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce – In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half the shredded cheese, and seasonings until combined.
- Add the Chicken and Extras – Stir in cooked chicken and any optional veggies like diced peppers or mushrooms.
- Combine with Spaghetti – Toss the pasta with the sauce mixture until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish – Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake Until Golden – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a melted cheese top.
You’ll pull out a warm, cheesy casserole that holds together but still has that creamy inside everyone expects from a good pasta bake.
Add-Ons and Sides That Work Well
This dish can be a full meal, but adding a few extras on the side makes it even better.
| Side or Add-On | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | Adds crunch and soaks up the creamy sauce |
| Green Beans or Broccoli | Lightens the plate with something crisp |
| Simple Salad | Brings a fresh contrast |
| Hot Sauce or Crushed Red Pepper | For a little heat |
| Crushed Crackers or Fried Onions on Top | Adds crunch if baked during the last 10 minutes |
You don’t need much—just a little variety next to the casserole goes a long way.
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Storage and Reheating Tips
This casserole was built for leftovers. Store it right, and it’ll taste just as good the next day.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. If it thickens, stir in a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
It also freezes well. Let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any long pasta or short shapes like penne or rotini work well.
2. Can I substitute the soup?
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery are good swaps if that’s what you have.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend also melts well.
5. How do I make it less heavy?
Use low-fat sour cream or swap in Greek yogurt, and go lighter on the cheese topping.
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole keeps things simple while still delivering that cozy, home-cooked feeling. It’s a solid meal that shows up when you need it.
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Equipment
- Large pot For boiling the spaghetti
- Mixing Bowl For combining chicken and sauce
- Casserole Dish To bake the assembled casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped
- 12 oz spaghetti cooked and drained
- 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
- 1/2 cup sour cream or softened cream cheese
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 1 cup diced bell peppers optional
- chopped parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and optional bell peppers, then fold in the cooked spaghetti.
- Transfer mixture to the greased casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley if using.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add steamed broccoli, mushrooms, or peas for more vegetables.
- To freeze: Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!